This photo was sent to me by aviation artist Keith Ferris. He made these
comments about this photo:

Poor old "Thunderbird" looked terrible when she retired.
She had been the first un-camouflaged
B-17 to arrive at the 303rd. For fear of drawing German attention, she was painted
olive drab and gray without the benefit of a primer coat. Much of the paint had worn off
the nose. She had an unpainted cowling for #2 engine, and as you can see, was covered with
patches. Her individual aircraft letter "U" has been changed to "G" after she was parked.